Medical Students Support Classmate and Cancer Research

Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. While doctors and scientists look for a cure, medical students at Georgia Campus  Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) came together recently to support breast cancer research in memory of their classmates mom.

The mother of second-year osteopathic medical student, Denaya Edwards, was diagnosed in 2012 with Stage I breast cancer which slowly progressed to Stage IV despite treatments. Edwards lost her mother in January, and returned to school a week later. I thought I would feel isolated upon my return, but my medical school familypeers, faculty and staffmade me feel so welcome and included, she said.

To demonstrate their care and concern for Edwards, the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2018 decided to raise money for breast cancer research. The student doctors chose to fundraise for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. In less than 24 hours, the students raised over $1,000.

In addition, class members planned a Pink Out in which students, faculty and staff wore pink to show support for Edwards and those affected by breast cancer. Edwards said, I have never experienced so much support from a school Ive attended. I now feel more capable of getting back on track and in tune with accomplishing my medical school studies.